In the District 4 Election – One Candidate stands out.
Much has been said and all candidates for the District 4 opening have had opportunities to present themselves in forums and other venues. Voting ballot in hand, I have done my homework and made my decision in favor of the candidate best able to step into the job on day one – Brad Rasmussen.
Brad ranks highest in the categories of problem solving, knowledge and leadership capacity because he has the demonstrated experience needed to take District 4 and the County in a positive direction. As affable, and well-intended as the other candidates seem, none match Brad’s qualifications to lead at the highest levels of local government.
To this point, Brad presents the only tangible knowledge and understanding of how a government budget actually works. This is important because budget setting is a fundamental aspect of leadership and budget decisions can make or break us. Anyone unfamiliar with budget sources, purposes and limitations will be lost. While other candidates claim budget experience – Brad is the only candidate that can claim experience managing a complex multimillion-dollar government budget and that has made difficult decisions, including cutting budgets in bad times and finding creative ways to deal with employee turnover and staff shortages.
Homelessness is a hot button issue in District 4 and throughout the county. All the candidates agree it’s a problem needing action. But I saw no evidence to indicate another candidate had hands on experience dealing with the problems of the unhoused. By recognizing that policing was not a solution, Brad partnered with a nonprofit agency to include professionals in police responses, thus ensuring problems of drug dependencies and mental health were properly assessed and referred to appropriate treatment and services.
As an experienced problem solver – Brad organized a public awareness forum on the high use and impact of drugs such as fentanyl, another rapidly growing and destructive issue our County faces. Until hearing him speak, I didn’t realize the County ranks number three in the State for opioid mortality. To this point, Brad collaborated with school officials and arranged to bring the forum into our local schools to reach impressionable youth and raise awareness of the extreme danger opioids pose.
In other matters – like land use, ground water management, fire prevention, the hitch and the peculiarities of a County District with a City inside its boundaries – again, Brad shines. As a member of the City of Lakeport’s management team he’s had a bird’s eye view of how making proper land use decisions benefits our quality of living as well as helping to grow our economy.
Brad has worked closely with County officials and staff as well as agencies in and outside of the County for years – his commitment to public service is unquestionable and if elected, his transition will be smooth. As one knowledgeable person said – the job is not what most candidates understand. He is supporting Brad. I ask for your vote for Brad Rasmussen for our next District 4 Supervisor.
—Gregory D. Scott, Retired Cal Fire Assistant Chief
Black History Month and every month, working hard to strengthen policies addressing systemic inequalities
As we commemorate Black History Month, we reflect on the immeasurable contributions of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. This month serves as an important reminder of the tireless efforts and spirit of individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping the fabric of our great nation.
I am particularly proud to honor the late Rep. John Lewis this month, a true American hero and a dear friend of mine. Rep. Lewis dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and civil rights for all. From being one of the Big Six leaders of the Civil Rights Movement to helping plan the March on Washington to being beaten on Bloody Sunday as he tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Rep. Lewis was at the forefront of the fight for civil rights.
He was elected to Congress in 1986 where he continued to shine as an inspiration to younger African Americans, always making time for the short one-on-one conversations that were intimately inspirational. His legacy serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and equitable America.
African Americans have left a significant mark on every aspect of our society, from the arts and sciences to politics and our economy. Their resilience, courage, and determination have been instrumental in propelling our nation forward. It is crucial that we not only recognize their historical contributions but also actively work to ensure that the promise of liberty and justice for all is realized in our time.
As we celebrate the achievements of African Americans, we must also acknowledge the systemic challenges that persist. Our commitment to justice and equality requires that we continue to strive towards the full realization of the American dream for every citizen.
This month and every month, we continue the work of strengthening policies that address systemic inequalities in areas such as criminal justice, healthcare, and economic opportunity. By advocating for policies that promote fairness and inclusivity, we can build a nation that truly lives up to its ideals.
In the spirit of Rep. John Lewis and countless others who have fought for justice, let us continue our journey toward a more perfect union. Together, we can honor the legacy of African Americans by working tirelessly to build a future where all citizens have an equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their race or background.
Black History is American history, and it is not just a time to reflect on the past; it is a call to action for a better future. Black History Month helps us embrace the promise of liberty and justice for all, ensuring that the legacy of African Americans remains an integral part of the American story.
—Rep. Mike Thompson, D-CA, District 4
Helen Owen for District 1 Supervisor
I first became acquainted with Helen in the very early 90s when I became involved in the Lake County Rodeo Association. She is a proven and committed person for her community with integrity. Her support and involvement over the years in a variety of ways is obviously sincere to all who know her. Recognizing the value of residents’ opinions and needs in community, she believes in listening to those opinions. Her plan to hold regular meetings with constituents when she becomes District 1 Supervisor will make her a true voice of the people in government.
Helen will represent all the constituents in District 1. She certainly knows the importance of collaboration as she moves forward, listening to her fellow Supervisors as they consider issues, will prove to benefit the entire county. Evaluation of the big picture is a strong suit. Helen does not believe that more government is a true value to communities, but rather less government involvement and encouraging more citizens to be aware and become involved serves all. She knows District 1 and the county. need more jobs and opportunities for our young people. Helen values the rural qualities of Lake County but understands that common sense growth is necessary to provide those opportunities.
A vote for Helen Owen is the best choice for Lake County.
Brad Rasmussen for District 4 Supervisor
In my many years of association with Brad Rasmussen I have found him to be interested in all segments of Lake County communities, not just Lakeport. His broad experience gained from years of working with all law enforcement agencies in Lake County and many from outside the County has served our residents very well. When I became aware in March of this year that he would be running for District 4 Supervisor, I was sure Lake County would benefit greatly from his decision.
Brad and I have been community volunteers though our service clubs in many events over several years. He is a very active volunteer with Lakeport Kiwanis and Lions, and I through my membership in the Lakeport Rotary Club and Lake County Rodeo Association, enjoyed contributing to our communities.
He has been an excellent Chief of Police and during my years as CEO of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the cooperation of the Lakeport Police Department has always been there for our businesses and residents. When we had disasters in the County Brad was very involved in working with all relevant agencies to assure safety for all concerned.
Lake County needs involved and committed Supervisors who work for all residents and communities throughout the County. His experience and cooperation with others a testimony to his ability to look at the big picture which will result in informed and intelligent results for Lake County. He will invest himself fully as District 4 Supervisor.
—Melissa Fulton, Lakeport, retired CEO Lake County Chamber of Commerce
